Daniel Joseph McWard
July 21, 1952 - June 16, 2020
Laguna Niguel CA
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Daniel Joseph McWard
July 21, 1952 - June 16, 2020
Laguna Niguel CA
Obituary
Dan McWard passed away at his home in Laguna Niguel, California on Tuesday, June 16th, 2020 with his wife Kathleen, son Terry and fiancé Joyce Abbey by his side. His best friend and Godfather to his son, Terry O’Connell was also with the family. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Dan is also survived by his brother Pat McWard, niece Kayla and nephew Connor, stepdaughters Heidi (Aaron) and Heather (Alex) and their children Ava, River, Charlie and Lucy. Proud of his Irish heritage, he cherished his large extended family – the McWards – and enjoyed the annual family reunions.
Dan was born in Bloomington, Illinois in 1952. He attended Central Catholic High School and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Dan maintained very close relationships with his friends from school throughout his life and was loved by many.
As a Marketing Executive in the Ophthalmic Surgical business for over 30 years, Dan’s companies included Allergan, Johnson & Johnson, Bausch and Lomb, Visiogen and Iolab. Throughout his career, Dan developed strong friendships and relationships that remain to this day. He had a deep Christian faith and was a member of Saddleback Church. Dan was a philanthropist with interests in The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, St. Joseph Hospital of Orange and WHW in Irvine, among others.
Dan enjoyed travel and visited over 40 countries in his lifetime for business and pleasure. He was an avid runner, enjoyed skiing and golf, but spending time with family and friends was his greatest joy. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend…and handsome to boot! Dan, you will be missed but not forgotten.
Dan will be cremated at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills. Two celebrations of his life are being planned as circumstances permit: one in Newport Beach, California and one in Chicago, Illinois. Please go on line to oconnormortuary.com/obits/daniel-joseph-mcward/ for updated information. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The American Cancer Society.
20 responses to Daniel Joseph McWard
Laurie Henkel reed says:
June 24, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Went to Ambrose with Dan. He was a great guy
Mike Hunter says:
June 24, 2020
True to his Irish heritage, Dan was a fighter. His battle with cancer was nothing short of amazing.
If I had not witnessed it with my own eyes, I could not believe it. His courage and optimism were also a constant source of comfort and inspiration for my wife during her cancer fight. Providing encouragement and helping others in the midst of his own life and death struggle gives you the measure of this man. A blessing to have known him.
Godspeed Dan McWard.
Ronald Roush says:
June 24, 2020
I am saddened by the Loss. I did not know Dan that well, but he sure knew how to make the light in Kathys’ Eyes very bright. He will be missed, and I am sure he is seeing the Glory of the Lord. RIP Dan.
barbara Masters says:
June 25, 2020
Barbara Masters
Debbie DeFrain says:
June 25, 2020
I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I never met Dan but it was obvious he was a very loved man. In the end of it all, love prevails and keeps memories alive. I will pray for his family while they grieve his loss. I know he is sitting at the right hand of Jesus smiling down thinking “just wait till you see where I am!” We will be together again!